June 2010 Mastectomy

Options
1…3738404243…48

Comments

  • gingersfavorite1
    gingersfavorite1 Member Posts: 273
    edited October 2010
    jsmiley,   yes, I have 5 more Taxol's and then rads.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited October 2010

    Brazo's I am with you on the crying- I cry over nothing now.  Kinda bugs me.

    Also, I am sure Jeanne can add you to the top the next time she pops onto join us!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jsmiley60
    jsmiley60 Member Posts: 204
    edited October 2010

    Brazo, when was your surgery date and what did you have done?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brazos58
    brazos58 Member Posts: 261
    edited August 2013

    jsmiley my surgery was 6/21/10 RMX, L Prophy No Recon or Rads....had a R lumpectomy 5/10....

    Thinking of you all with EVERYTHING we have all been thru!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • almagetty
    almagetty Member Posts: 316
    edited October 2010

    Hi everyone!

    I'm glad life is going along for everyone.

    ((Brazos))) Hang in there! This is a very difficult thing we have gone through. I think you are allowed to take whatever time you need to recuperate physically and emotionally.

    Laurie: my surgery is on November 10, two weeks from today (yikes!). I'm excited/nervous to take this next (and hopefully last) step in the reconstruction. I had my pre-op appointment yesterday with the PS. We're going ahead with the micro-fat grafting to correct the step-off that I have on the top inner quadrant. And then, of course, we're doing the nipple/areola reconstruction. The nipple will be some sort of flap procedure. The areola will be a graft from my lower abdomen. No cones for me, though. I'll have a sponge-like thing sewn on top of the graft for a week. That will then be removed at my post-op appointment. I'll then have to wear a gauze between the graft and my bra for an additional 10 days. Then I'm home free! I can do a tattoo for color any time after 12 weeks post surgery.

    Getty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stlcardsfan
    stlcardsfan Member Posts: 466
    edited November 2010

    I am around too.

    Not much going on here. MOHS site is healing nicely. Went in to regular derm for a once over, all is good. I will be seeing her every 4 to 6 months for forever due to having a confirmed basal cell.

    Cardio appt went good. No more MUGA's for me as they involve injections in both arms. Neither arm available now. So, they switched to a 2-D echo with contrast which was injected thru my  port. No change from the previous check in April, so Herceptin is not causing my heart any problems - yea!

    Herceptin # 15 out of 17 due up 11/3 - I am in count down mode!

    Hair is topping out at about 2 inches and sticking up all over the place. No longer wearing hats to work. Now it looks like I cut my hair that short on purpose. Still more gray then I would like (I am 43), but still to early to color.

    Tomorrow is wear pink to work day (at the company I work for) in support of Breast Cancer awareness month. I have several pink shirts to chose from!

    Decided not to do one more fill - I am just so uncomfortable right now - ugh! My left shoulder is still bothering me - seems worse after Herceptin, so somehow this must all be related. Knees and joints are achy too. Exercising for some reason seems to help with that. Still on the treadmill and also doing walks outside now that the weather has finally cooled down.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gunner
    gunner Member Posts: 80
    edited October 2010

    Hi everyone-Hi ducki?????

    Going in for my exchange and lift to other side on 11-12. i am an emotional mess. Is this normal.

    I have decided to stay in a hotel the night before since the hospital is 4 hr away..My checkin in 11am with surgery at 1pm.My tissue expanders feels like adead brick. I hate it. I  have no energy

    to clean the house.What will it be like when I come home back sleeping in the recliner. My doc will not release me for work until the end of Dec.Tired of being on disability.How is everyone else doing/

    Elizabeth 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jblcsw10
    jblcsw10 Member Posts: 174
    edited October 2010
    Hi everyone, I've not been here much as nothing much to report, but still around. Just got home from a weekend in St. Louis - my first airplane ride since surgery which went fine. I still have not had the first fill as my skin is healing very slowly (but its healing!). I've learned lots of patience. I ended up with a high borderline oncotype dx score but based on tumor size, doctor (2nd opinion) didn't feel I need chemo and I agreed. I almost have survivor's guilt when I read of what so many are still going through. My skin issues seem insignificant compared to that, and I do feel very grateful that I am cancer free and healing. I started arimidex about 5 weeks ago and I am doing fine on it - no significant side effects except some achiness, I don't know if I can blame the weight gain on that or not....Smile. I still have days when I am totally zapped, but most days my energy level is good and I am trying to walk daily. I agree with stlcardfan - I think it really helps. I had quit my job right before I found out I had BC so I am still not working but in the process of interviewing for a part time job which I feel I am ready to handle. So all in all, I guess I'm doing pretty good. Not to say we haven't all been through hell and back, and I still have those days. I've had some issues with the whole bc awareness and pink stuff...I guess I'm just not there yet. Everyone who sees me says "you look great" but I still feel "different". I think time will change that. I am guessing I am still months and months away from fills and my exchange surgery but I've learned to live with it. Glad to catch up and hear how everyone is doing. You all were such a support to me during the scary surgery time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LG300
    LG300 Member Posts: 652
    edited August 2013

    Brazos, it's an emotional rollercoaster for a lot of us.  For me, in addition to all the pain and scariness of this BC journey - my treatment ended up being much more complicated than originally expected - I also have the stress of needing to find a new job. I resigned from my last job (for reasons unrelated to my health) the month before I was diagnosed. The one good thing is that I took advantage of having the time off to catch up on doctor's appointments, overdue mammogram, etc. Otherwise, I would have never caught my BC at such an early stage. As it was, even though I had DCIS, it was widespread, and I ended up having three lumpectomies before finally getting a BMX (couldn't get clean margins).

    Because of all the pain and complications from my four surgeries (I got staph infections after two of the surgeries and spent 5 days in the hospital on IV antibiotics for the second infection), as well as all the pain from the TEs, I haven't been able to start looking for a new job until recently (I was diagnosed 6 months ago). Even now, I don't even have enough energy to make it through a whole day of work. I have been consulting part-time (mostly pro bono) to feel somewhat productive and keep my mind working. Before I was in too much pain to even think about working (I don't know how so many of you returned to work so quickly), but now that I'm feeling better physically, I have to deal with the stress of finding a job. I feel that after all I've been through this year, I deserve some good luck, so hopefully I'll find something soon.

    Best of luck to all of you having exchanges surgeries coming up!  My exchange is Nov. 10, and I'm looking forward to really being able to move forward with my life after recovering from that surgery. BTW, Jeanne, can you add my BMX date to the top of the page.  I had BMX and TEs on June 30.  Thanks!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • speech529
    speech529 Member Posts: 337
    edited November 2010

    Hi Ladies

    It's been a whlie since I posted here but I have been keeping tabs on what's going on with everyone. I saw my PS on Friday...she and her staff were watching the Pink Glove Video Sequel.  If you haven't seen it, it's very moving and inspiring.  The women and medical professionals who work together to beat this horrid disease are amazing.  Check out the video and pass it on:   http://pinkglovedance.com/

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RobinLM
    RobinLM Member Posts: 143
    edited November 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    first post in a while...... I've been reading regularly though.

    Just looked at the pinkglove link - make me cry.... obviously a lot more emotion bubbling under than I realised....

    Isn't Joystars having her Caesarian on the 4th....... wishing you the very best Joystars....x

    Went and played badminton saturday - was great to be on court, shoulder was Ok, bit sore after and now...

    My foobs have suddenly softened and are feeling almost realSmile most of the fluid has gone, scars have healed well....feeling like I've been very lucky overall. Decided against any further surgery to correct dinges/ puckering/nip reconstruction...

    Good luck to all with exchange coming up x

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • almagetty
    almagetty Member Posts: 316
    edited November 2010

    Hi everyone:

    I'm glad to see everyone is doing okay. Robin, I can understand your decision to be done with the surgeries. I can't wait to be done with everything! 9 days and counting ...

    I think Joystars' c-section is closer to the end of the month. I remember telling her that it was happening close to the US' Thanksgiving holiday and how appropriate that was.

    speech: I love that pinkglove video!

    Happy November! Have a great week everyone! 

    Getty 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gunner
    gunner Member Posts: 80
    edited November 2010

    Gunner here hi everyone my exchange is 11-12 anyone nervous. Worried getting a lift on the 

    opposite side at same time. Off Tamoxifen as requested by doc. How does everyone else feel

    prior to surgery. Appreciate some feedback. Elizabeth 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LG300
    LG300 Member Posts: 652
    edited November 2010

    Gunner: My exchange is next week too (11/10).  I'm nervous as well.  I think it's natural to be nervous before any surgery, and with this particular surgery, we're all worried whether the results are going to be as good as we hope.  In my case, I'm also nervous because I developed painful staph infections after my last two surgeries - I ended up in the hospital for 5 days on IV antibiotics for the last one.  Hopefully, both our surgeries (as well as everyone else's who has surgeries coming up) will go smoothly.  And it's going to feel so nice to have soft, squishee boobs!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brazos58
    brazos58 Member Posts: 261
    edited August 2013

    ((Gunner)) I am still  just recouping from  BMX/ prophy... the thoughts of any more surgery would have me a mess, MESS....and I am on the emo rollecoaster to boot. I am not doing recon now.

    I went on AutoPilot the first time round.... now that I have been thru it..... I would be nervous and worried.  Try and get out, do things with friends, anything that gets you out of your " Headspace"

    Sorry I can not shed any light on Exchanges and Lifts....

    Prayers, Strength and Light headed your way. ( also to you LG300 )

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gunner
    gunner Member Posts: 80
    edited November 2010

    Gunner here:

    Re staph infections please request that soap antimicrobial to wash breasts and body before surgery.  Remember to drink probiotics before surgery how long is your hosp stay for exchange mine is check in at  9am surgery 11am out the next day.  Elizabeth 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LG300
    LG300 Member Posts: 652
    edited November 2010

    Gunner: I used Hibiclens (antimicrobial soap) before my last surgery and will use it again.  My surgery is day surgery.  What type of probiotics do you take?  I have an 8am surgery and am supposed to get out that afternoon.  Lisa

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • joystars
    joystars Member Posts: 95
    edited August 2013
    Hello my beloved sisters, sorry I've been away for a while now. Lots going on at home especially when DH and I are trying to get as ready as possible for our little baby girl.

    On my last appointment with Obs. we were told the official Vida Sofia's birth date: November 30th, that's the last Tuesday of the month. We are thrilled and very looking forward to this date. Thanks Getty and Robin for having this on mind! :) Is not far now, eh?

    As you can imagine there has been lots of work going on at home, since we live in a 4th floor flat (no lift btw) with only one bedroom, we decided to change the whole space in order to have space for the baby's crib: we re-painted walls, polish the wodden floor, change our queen bed for a smaller one... oh well everything it takes to get a nice new nursery shared bedroom for my baby.

    But not everything is as "pink" as it seems. Often times I think about the "what if" since she will be born about 1 month and weeks before her due date, with only 34 weeks. This crazy "worst case" thoughts haunt me a lot, especially at night. After a day of good ha-ha-ha, la-la-la out of home, meeting with friends, shopping baby stuff... by the time I'm getting ready to sleep, with no foob and a scar on my chest I wonder: "Will she make it? Will I make it?" It's tough. It's sad. And then I cry... a lot.

    I wish things were so different for my baby and that she could stay in the womb for all the time she needs but on the other hand I see my remain boob as a ticking clock (even tho mammos and ultrasound showed nothing on my right breast) I see that my boob grows everyday it's getting ready, nature knows well its job. But this breast won't be able to feed a crying baby... instead will be receiving a lovely drugs coktail. Oh damn cancer! F**K YOU!

    So yes I have mixed feelings: happiness, joy, a huge love but also fear, sadness and tears.

    Sorry for coming here to wind up. Oh well show must go on..

    Robin, so happy for you and your "girls" :) You really inspire me... whenever the time comes for me to get a recon, I'll be thinkign about you and all the others that have gone thru this already.

    Getty, 5 more days and soon you'll be done with all this! Same like I told Robin, you girls inspire me! Big hugs!

    Stephanie, Gosh! I love your pic... you look gorgeous and what a lovely smile!  Good luck with rads!

    Speech, love the video... posted on my facebook wall. Got teary eye everytime I watch it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • almagetty
    almagetty Member Posts: 316
    edited November 2010

    ((((Joystars)))) It's so wonderful to "see" you here and to hear about all the wonderful things you are doing to get ready for Vida Sofia's arrival. Can you believe that this is already your baby's birth month?!? You are already such a good mother! And like any good mother, you are worrying for your child. It is a feeling that will stick with you even after baby Vida has grown into a lovely young lady. Someone way smarter than me said that to make the decision to have a child is to allow your heart to walk around outside of your body. And that is exactly right.

    34 weeks is not the full 40, that is true. But so many great steps have been taken in neonatal care that babies born at 34 weeks do very, very well. She will thrive. How could she not when you and she have fought so hard throughout this pregnancy? She will be wonderfully fine. I know it!

    I will join you in saying f**k cancer! What a stupid and horrible thing it has done to us! But, we are winning and will continue to win. You and your beautiful baby are quite the example to me of how life does go on and beautiful things can happen after breast cancer. So, you will take your horrible cocktail and live to see Vida one day have children of her own. And in that world, hopefully, we will have figured out how to cure this disease so our daughters and theirs won't have to think about foobs and scars.

    Thanks for the hugs! I will carry them with me into surgery on Wednesday.

    When you get a little minute, stop by and let us know how you are. And bring baby pictures!! :D

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jblcsw10
    jblcsw10 Member Posts: 174
    edited November 2010

    Joystars, I cannot even imagine the emotional rollercoaster you've been on, from breast cancer to the joys of welcoming your daughter. I wanted to tell you a dear friend of mine just had twins, 2 weeks ago, delivered by c-section at 33 1/2 weeks. They are doing great! They will be in the hospital a few more weeks while they grow but they are healthy, breathing, and beautiful babies. All the major organs are well developed by 34 weeks, it is mostly a matter of just growing more. That is the only reason these babies are still in the hospital. I am quite certain your daughter has that same incredible strength you have shown all of us and she will be a blessed and lucky child. Thank you for feeling safe to come here and share with us your fears and very real feelings. I'm glad there is a place where we can do that.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • reneemac
    reneemac Member Posts: 73
    edited November 2010

    I haven't been around in a while either. Life gets so busy and all!

    I am seeing my PS on Tuesday and we are supposed to be discussing surgery dates. His scheduler told me to expect surgery within 3 to 5 weeks after that appointment; 3 weeks puts it in the middle of the cruise I am going on. I am hopeful that it will be 5 weeks so I can go back to work and finish things up before I am out again. I went to the Oncologist last week and had to get used to another doctor, as my previous one left the practice. This one is a female and we talked about the hot flashes. She is putting me on Effexor, which is an anti-depressent drug that is also used to treat hot flashes. I have not started it yet since I order my prescriptions online and can get 90 days worth for the same price as 30 days in the local pharmacy. I've been doing reading on this drug and it seems as if there is just as much bad information as good. But I remember reading the same about Tamoxifen.

    December will be a busy month as I also have my annual GYN exam. I am so looking forward to having my remaining boob in the mammogram machine - NOT. I am hoping to have some time off before Christmas to recover from the exchange surgery.

    To all of you with upcoming surgeries (and baby births!) - good thoughts and prayers come to you from chilly California. This is the first weekend that I've had nothing on my calendar. I did go and pay for graduation announcements for our middle daughter who is graduating high school in 2011, and I did a little grocery shopping. Nothing else is planned for the weekend and I get an extra hour of sleep tonight! Bless all of you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stlcardsfan
    stlcardsfan Member Posts: 466
    edited November 2010
    reneemac - regarding Hot flashes. Try I-cool for menopause. It is something you can buy at Walgreens or on line. I was also offered Effexor and declined to take it after all the research that I did and that fact that I have at least 2 more surgeries to go. Have heard about how hard it is to get off the Effexor.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RobinLM
    RobinLM Member Posts: 143
    edited November 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    Monday morning - back to work - ughhh.... horrible windy, rainy day, and it's still dark!

    How lovely to hear from you Joystars - your worrying is totally understandable - that feeling never goes away. My son, now 33, is suffering depression....... my heart is wrenched out when I see him and he is down....... I have been going to visit him about 3 times per week, taking him shopping for food etc..... so a mothers lot is never done - even when they leave home they are still your baby!.... you will cope because you must - it's as simple as that Smile 

    Getty - sending lots of love to you for your coming surgery..... x

    Stephanie - yes you do look gorgeous!

    Keep on going everyone..... love yo you allxx

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited November 2010

    Hi everyone!  So nice to hear from so many of you.  Joy, my heart goes out to you.  It must be so tough with all of the pregnancy hormones, so much hope and so much fear at the same time.  But you are such a strong woman, you will give birth to a strong little girl!  I am so excited for you to meet baby Vida Sophia!!  Keep us posted on how you are feeling.  Getty good luck with your surgery Wednesday, I am excited for you to be done with everything, you have been such an inspiration to so many of us, it's hard to believe you are about to be officially done.  I'm sure you must be a bit nervous too, remember you can do it and think of how much you have already accomplished.  I hope you're still enjoying your new job.LG300-  Good luck with your exchange surgery Wednesday, I am sure all will go well, keep us posted on how you are feeling.  Robin- So good to hear from you again!  Very happy your foobs have softened and life seems like it is going well for you.  Stcardsfan- Yay for having only two treatments left!!!  I hope you are feeling well and so glad to hear you're healing nicely from the MHOS site.   

    I hope everyone is feeling well and keeping their spirits up.  Things have been so busy lately I haven't had time to post but have been reading daily.  I just needed a quiet moment to sit and type.  Halloween with the kids was a blast and I have enjoyed eating their candy after they go to bedInnocent.  My grandfather who is 93 has been in the hospital for the last week and they don't expect him to last more than a couple of more days so it has been emotional.  More remembering all of the people I love who have passed, like my mother.  My grandfather has had a good long life and is ready to go, for his sake I hope he goes quickly, he hates the hospital.  

    I hope everyone has a great day!  It is raining and dreary here in NH, I have the wood stove going and we are staying inside and going to play with paints and games etc.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brazos58
    brazos58 Member Posts: 261
    edited August 2013

    Hi Everyone

    Just checking in to see how everyone is. My thoughts go out to each and all of you.

    I feel I am in a time warp as we are heading into Thanksgiving and Life has be insane since Easter/ Spring.... I am getting better, but am impatient with myself as its not happening as fast as I thought. Having LE is making my world smaller than I like. 

    I have visited the fitter/ started wearing a LE Sleeve/Glove for increased activitys.... crap that was HARD. And I am still working on getting Jovi Paks.... and Foobs are making my LE worse.

    And I am about to write a book about all the Emotional Rollercoaster Issues.... !   Feel free to PM  me for the Chapter Headings as they occur.

    I go see the BS next month for my 1st 6 month check. My stomach just falls thinking about it.

    Still am not able to do the yard/ car/ house work the way I used to..... and I am thinking that may not happen until next year. I have really just surrendered to HEY THIS IS MY TIME!

    Working on strectching everyday, and lifting light weights.... my left knee somehow got hurt at the end of LE/PT and is really slowing me down. Otherwise I would be way more active.

    Am going to a Family Baby shower this weekend.... 50 People that I have not seen since b/f surgery..... its so much easier to be around strangers sometimes.

    I am looking forward to Hibernating and a nice Snowy Winter with the woodstove, friends, books, jigsaws, music, candles, and mending my Spirit and Mind.

    Love to see you all Thru

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • almagetty
    almagetty Member Posts: 316
    edited November 2010

    LG300 It's you and me on Wednesday. My surgery is set for 7:30 AM. I'm pretty sure that I'm the first surgery of the day. The surgeon's office just called me and told me to be there at 6 AM, but that I might have to wait a couple of minutes for the pre-op staff to get there and open up. ???

    stlscardsfan: Two more and done with your treatments. That's great news!

    Robin: My heart goes out to you and to your son. Depression is not an easy thing to deal with. My little sister went through a bout in her late teens and it was a tough thing for all of us.

    Brazos: I'm so sorry with how much LE has complicated what is already a tough situation. I hope the sleeve and the therapy give you some relief soon.

    Laurie: I ate more than my fair share of candy from the Halloween kettle. In fact, I'm thinking of getting up to grab a fun-size Snickers to tide me over until dinner. It's really just a little bitty thing. How fattening can it truly be? ;)  Thanks for your words of encouragement! I am nervous and excited in equal parts. Being done sounds wonderful. I can hardly believe that it will happen. I've gotten so much strength from our group here. I couldn't have made it through the past months without all of you.

    My job has been a godsend! I love going to work every day and being useful and not having time to think about what has been and what is coming. My brother-in-law is always telling me how grateful he and my sister are that I am there helping them out, but honestly I've benfited just as much. My whole outlook is much more positive. And I'm having fun to boot.

    I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather! Is this the grandpa you told us about who has the vegetable garden in his yard? I love that story! Hugs to you as you go through these tough days.

    Our weather is Florida has been unbelievably beautiful for the past few days. The skies are a piercing blue with not a cloud in sight. I'm sitting on my back deck right now. The sun is starting to set. It's a comfortable 70 degrees. Perfect! 

    Getty 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited November 2010

    Getty- I am on my way to Florida to visit you!!!   I envy you sitting on a deck in 70 degree weather while I have the wood stove going!!!!  Yes, it's the same grandpa.  The whole thing is weird and sad.  About 4 weeks ago he started acting weird, didn't come to my sons third birthday.  Started getting angry at my father and accusing him of stealing from him, spent a couple of hours with my brother and then asked him his name.  All of a sudden, it's like someone flipped a switch and his whole body and mind is shutting down.  Fast and sad.  No idea.....I am praying and thinking of you for Wednesday- more than you know ♥

    Brazos- I don't know if it helps but my mom got really bad LE and used the sleeve, went to therapy, did therapy at home and it went away after about a year.  She had a radical and I am still amazed at how quickly she was able to bounce back- I hope the same for you.

    Hugs to all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LG300
    LG300 Member Posts: 652
    edited November 2010

    Getty - I have the first surgery of the day on Wednesday too.  So looking forward to being done with it!  Best of luck with your surgery.  Lisa

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited November 2010
    Getty and Lisa- Sending positive thoughts and energy your way for the morning.  A big hug to you both.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • almagetty
    almagetty Member Posts: 316
    edited November 2010

    Good luck to you, too, Lisa!

    Thanks, Laurie! It's pretty incredible to think that in less than 12 hours I'll be done with the surgeries! Thanks for your thoughts and your prayers. It gives me a lot of courage and a lot of peace to know that I have them.  I'm so sad to read about your grandfather! I'll be praying for him and for the rest of your family.

    I can't sleep ... too keyed up ... too nervous ... I have to be up in less than 6 hours. :-/ 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories